Technology for refrigerated portable container units for storage and transportation

ABSTRACT

The technology is to provide an insulated portable container unit to maintain specific temperature specs to be used for storage or transporting food, medical and pharmaceutical products, and floral. The technology will consist of a combination of a specific gel coating; specific fiberglass sheets; specific polyurethane foam insulation; specific wrapped wood reinforcement; and specific steel reinforcement. The technology will have a combination of specific components that create a refrigerated technology that increases storage and transportation efficiency and saves energy.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to technology that insulates a portable container unit to maintain specific temperature specs to be used for storage and/or transporting food, medical and pharmaceutical products, and floral.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a universal need to store and transport certain items in a specific controlled temperature environment in order to maintain the integrity of the items, reduce losses of items, and increase efficiency to stop lost energy. However, currently there is a lack of any such technology available which accomplishes this. Applicant's discovery is that the function and need is best served by technology that has specific materials in its construction and certain assembly of these materials in order to fulfill the objective.

Over a period of fifty (50) years, there has been some technology developed in this area. The refrigeration technology has changed through the years in the United States and abroad, but in most current utilized methods, it is very far behind. The currently used technology in the United States produces inefficient temperature stability, a significant rate of spoilage, and wasted energy.

The technology encompasses the following:

Breaking Cold Bridge Technology

Cold bridge means the heat or cold temperature can transfer from one side to another side through an object such as metal or plastic which creates inefficient temperature control specs. The goal of the technology is to break the cold bridge because this is what creates the problem of inefficiency and rust. The following technology and procedure will accomplish this function.

In order to break the cold bridge, this proposed combination of structural technology herein is called “layered combination compression” with this definition and explanation.

One completed panel consists of two sides: one interior and one exterior along with various sized interior reinforced steel pieces for the connection points and wood wrapped fiberglass for the walls along with polyurethane foaming insulation. This is one completed panel in which will be connected to other panels in order to form a box design.

Process:

1) Gel coating 2) Fiberglass sheets 3) Polyurethane foam insulation 4) Wrapped wood reinforcement 5) Steel reinforcement

The fiberglass sheets consists of a specifically formulated product that is a gel coating that is very strong and hard and has a smooth surface. The specific formulation creates strength and hardness that rebounds impact without breaking and has an extreme degree of smoothness so the need to polish and clean is eliminated. Using the raw materials of epoxy resin, coloring, thickener, and an accelerator to dry the material stronger, thicker, and faster.

To create the formulation of gel coating, pour into a centrifuge or drum container epoxy resin, coloring, thickener, and finally the accelerator in that order at volumes specific for the size of the contracted project. Each ingredient addition needs to be stirred at a high speed. Then spray pre-made gel coating formula on a very smooth surface such as polished stainless steel table. The formula will be from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm thickness. Let dry naturally according to weather conditions until 60%-80% dry. Place mesh fiber on top of partially dried gel coating. Use roller to flatten out to an even surface. Spray one layer of epoxy resin on top of the partially dried gel coating. Add a second layer of mesh fiber on top of the partially dried epoxy resin and gel coating. Spray a second coating of epoxy resin to the partially dried layered assembly. An additional three or four layers may be added depending on the strength needed for the specific job detail. Allow natural drying again with the room temperature of 15-40 degrees C. and maximum humidity of 75%. When completely dry, remove from the stainless steel table base either in the dried sheets or roll up in cylindrical fashion depending on user needs. The specifically formulated fiberglass sheets can range from 1 mm to 5 mm thickness depending on the use.

The polyurethane foaming insulation is specifically formulated with the raw material ingredients of standard polyurethane with a foaming agent, a solidifying agent, and a flame retardant agent. Combine and mix ingredients at a high speed in a specific automated mixing machine for 10 to 100 seconds depending on the size of the specific job in which the mixture is needed. Pour mixture into an injection mold of steel in the shape of a square and wait for 30 to 60 minutes after the chemical reaction has occurred. After this time frame, the foam is now a firm, light weight consistency from 30 to 55 kg and can be cut with in the desired thickness needed for the specific job.

The edge of the connection between any of the panel locations uses steel reinforcement with 3 mm to 10 mm thickness to 20 mm to 80 mm width to 100 mm to 500 mm long steel bar. Place steel bar inside the edge of both panels which is located inside the panels when originally assembled. Then from the outside of the two panels, drill a hole and use a screw and bolt assembly through the steel bar to connect the two panels without penetrating the interior walls of the panels thus maintaining the integrity of the interior of the box design which is without any entrance holes from the screws. To secure the insulation of the fiberglass wood wrapped reinforcement and panels together, a screw length between 50 mm to 170 mm long and 5 mm to 15 mm diameter along with an accompanying bolt assembly is required. This demonstrates the goal of breaking of the cold bridge due to the prevention of condensation on the exterior of the box design which drips and runs down the side of the structure and resulting in loss of energy and rusting.

The final step to assembling the panel is placing one fiberglass sheet down on a the table of the specific pressing machine along with the fiberglass wrapped reinforced wood assembly then the polyurethane foam board then the steel reinforcement connector points then pour the specific resin formulation on top of all the components until the surface of resin is even with the top of the components and then a final sheet of fiberglass material. Insert into the presser machine and compress for minimum of 60 minutes. The final product is the completed panel.

Testing has shown this technology is more effective and efficient than anything in the market place being utilized currently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following visual drawings are considered in conjunction with the following description of those drawings:

FIG. 1

Front side view of fiberglass sheet drawing that is similar to a mirrored surface that is very slick and needs no further progressing after being manufactured, is the material used for the interior and exterior of the panel, and is the strongest and lightest material used for the purpose of insulation and durability. The example is demonstrated that one solid piece is utilized for the construction of the container unit. In no way will two separate sheets be fused together in any way to make one piece. The referenced measurements are examples of the most commonly used size.

FIG. 2

Front side view of small steel reinforcement structure drawing that is used and needed as a connection point for the screw and bolt in order to make the joining of the panels strong and completely joined. The piece of steel is first wrapped in the fiberglass mesh and dipped into the resin bath and allowed to dry thoroughly. The resin goes through and into the mesh and adheres to the steel sheet. When thoroughly completed and dried, the steel sheet can be used in different functions of reinforcement, such as in increments of 1 meter along the length of the panel in order to connect them and also to reinforce the hinges and joints. Also, used for the connection of the corners of the panels with a screw and bolt. While other manufactures use an entire steel bar which adds too much extra and unnecessary weight. The referenced measurements are examples of the most commonly used size.

FIG. 3

Front side view of wood reinforcement that is wrapped with three layers of fiberglass mesh and dipped into a resin bath and allowed to dry thoroughly. The materials of wood and fiberglass is used for the reinforcement because this combination is much lighter than any other material available yet yields a stronger finished product. This is used to support the panel and for making the panel one solid piece and strong without the ability of cracking or breaking the insulation between the two panels. Commonly, this can be used every 1 meter in the length of the panel depending on the size requirement of the panel being constructed. The referenced measurements are examples of the most commonly used size.

FIG. 4

Front side view of polyurethane foam that is used for insulation due to the efficiency factor, low priced raw material, density, and superior strength. This material is easily molded to the resin and becomes one solid piece when mixed together. It can be cut to fit easily with a simple saw or knife to the desired shape and size. The density measurements listed are necessary for the maximum utility of the substance. The referenced measurements are examples of the most commonly used size.

FIG. 5

Front side view of wood reinforcement example inside the panel walls. This example could be used every 1 meter or more or less according to the design. This example is vertical but horizontal utilization may be used. This example also indicates the ability to use the wood reinforcement for the frame of a door needed for the rear or side of the container unit. The referenced measurements are examples of the most commonly used size.

FIG. 6

Front side of small steel reinforcement structure that is utilized with a screw and bolt assembly or joint or hinge connecting to the panel or body of the container unit. The reason for usage in this capacity is to break the cold bridge and maintain the integrity of the design goal. If a solid steel structure were used, the rivets or screws would penetrate the panel and the air would go through and result in the condensation and loss of efficiency. The steel would be the conductor and have no insulation and create the cold bridge. The referenced measurements are examples of the most commonly used size.

FIG. 7

Front side view of corner of the panel becomes stronger due to the “S step” design that makes the body of the unit stronger because of the ability to inject additional amounts of glue for adhesion. If the edge was a straight design, there would only be one contact point of glue while the “S step” design creates two additional contact points in which 50% more glue it able to be injected. In addition, two bolts to connect the panels can now be used because of the “S step” design while the straight design only allows for one bolt to be used. The referenced measurements are examples of the most commonly used size.

FIG. 8

Front side view demonstration of the joining of two panels together which creates more strength for the body of the container unit. Two separate fiberglass sheets with polyurethane foaming material in between create one panel which is much stronger than what is currently used in the market. What is used now is a single material panel or a “sandwich” of two panels with loose fiberglass cotton insulation which is attached to a steel frame with rivets or screws. The referenced measurements are examples of the most commonly used size.

FIG. 9

Front side view of the container unit that is completely joined with the described connection which includes the screw and bolt attached by the small steel reinforcement structure. The screw and bolt makes a “cross” connection indicated by “A” at each corner which creates a superior strength bond. The views indicate the interior structure and the exterior structure. The interior view demonstrates the construction of the assembly. The exterior view demonstrates the inability to see the screw and bolt assembly and creates the slick mirrored surface. The typical sized screw utilized for this purpose is indicated by “B”. The referenced measurements are examples of the most commonly used size.

FIG. 10

Front side view of the demonstrated container unit that is smaller than 3 meters so the “cross” connection indicated by “A” is utilized but not with an “S step” design due to it being cost inhibited and unnecessary in order to accomplish the goal. The connection used is a straight design and 50% less glue is used due to the smaller size of the container unit and less need for strength. The strength accomplished with this design for a container unit of this smaller size is adequate. The design herein is when this size or smaller is desired, this example is how the construction would be assembled. Due to the small size of the panels, the connection is strong enough for the smaller design and maintains the breaking of the cold bridge. The typical sized screw utilized for this purpose is indicated by “B”. The referenced measurements are examples of the most commonly used size.

All drawings are primarily illustrative. It would be understood that structure may have been simplified and details omitted in order to convey certain aspects of the invention. Scale may be sacrificed for clarity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Description of Use

The technology intended to provide an insulated portable unit or box to maintain specific temperature specs to be used for storage or transporting food, medical and pharmaceutical products, and floral. The technology will consist of technologies such as specific gel coating; specific fiberglass sheets; specific polyurethane foam insulation; specific wrapped wood reinforcement; and specific steel reinforcement that when combined, creates a refrigerated technology that is unlike any other in the market today.

The refrigerated technology will provide an improvement to the transportation and storage of every day consumable products that need to be kept at a specific temperature in order to maintain integrity. The technology will provide another improvement of energy efficiency in transportation and storage because less energy is needed with this technology due to the breaking of the cold bridge. The technology will provide still another improvement in that due to the light weight of the materials utilized in the design, greater amounts of consumables are able to be transported and/or stored within the same confines.

Characteristics of Invention

The Material Used is Stronger than any Other Material Used Today

During twenty years of utilizing this technology with 7,550 container units under variable weather conditions, accidents which entail direct contact under variable pressure testing, and dropping a weight of 5 kilos, 10 kilos, 15 kilos from 1 meter, 2 meters, 3 meters, the exterior and interior walls consisting of the referenced technology had no failing score. There were examples of denting of surfaces in which mending was easily done by injecting the same resin material and once dried and hardened, it retained the same integrity as if the incident never occurred. It was concluded that after 20 years of variable trials in assimilated conditions and in natural conditions, the material does not break, or dent, or crack.

Polyurethane Foam is Better than Other Insulation Material Used Today

During a twenty year trial of utilizing both referenced materials, it is determined that the polyurethane foam far exceeds the viable benefits of fiberglass. The reasoning was documented as the fiberglass is not a solid insulation and thus absorbs wetness and condensation. The problem was determined that this kept the insulation full of water and shrank the volume of insulation along with displacing it. Additionally, in the winter or in colder climates, the insulation froze and was rendered ineffective. The polyurethane foam on the other hand demonstrated the highest level of effectiveness because the technology created a solid insulation and due to the materials used in production, creates a water proof sealed product.

The Body is 30% Lighter Weight than any Other Bodies Used Today

In twenty years of manufacturing, the body of this unit was tested against the most common five (5) other manufactured container units. This referenced technology herein has material that is lighter in weight such as the wood reinforcements and the panels which are made of fiberglass sheets. The final analysis is other currently used units on the market today are made of metal sheets, plywood sheet, plastic sheet, fiberglass sheets, aluminum sheets along with the reinforcement is steel columns. The referenced technology produces much lighter materials to construct the body of the container units so the entire unit is at least 30% lighter weight.

Consistent Interior Temperature Control Due to Material Used to Construct the Storage Unit

In twenty years of laboratory testing of internal temperature ratings in 12,620 units of the referenced technology used to construct the unit, it is determined there is no more than a 5 degree centigrade increase in a 24 hour period utilizing any size unit being 80% filled to capacity with external environment temperature being 28 degrees centigrade. If empty, within a 24 hour period utilizing any size unit @ −18 degrees centigrade with external environment being 28 degrees centigrade, there is no more than a 10 degree centigrade increase.

The Surface of the Panels do not Need any Other Processing Like Painting or Coating

In twenty years of laboratory and practical testing the gel coat technology, under weather conditions of rain, sleet, snow, and freezing, the surface has not presented any damage or change to the materials. Testing of external environment temperature of −50 centigrade did not present any difference in the surface. The surface details a slick mirror like texture that does not dull or fade without any type of protection on it.

The Useful Life of the Refrigerated Container Unit is Minimum Twenty (20) Years

In twenty years and 20,000 units, there has been no evidence that the useful life will not be extended pass this time frame. There is no evidence that external environmental conditions would effect the product. If under normal use conditions, there is no evidence of failure. If the container unit is punctured or impact through a major accident, then repairs are needed, but the repairs are simple and if completed by a trained technician that understands the manufacturing of the container unit then the restoration is on a level of the same integrity of the container unit to the original state of efficiency.

No Maintenance Required on Refrigerated Container Unit

In a twenty year study with a group of 5,800 refrigerated container units that were put through various simulated trials that a normal operational container unit would have to perform, it was noted that there was no need for any type of programmable period of maintenance needed. Considering the type of material used in the manufacturing of the unit and the type of assembly used in the construction of the unit, it leaves little room for maintenance demands.

Interior and Exterior of Refrigerated Box is Very Easy to Clean

In twenty years of experiments in indoor and outdoor conditions that would normally be experienced by such a container unit, the cleaning of the interior and exterior of the container unit posed no difficulty or demand of specific procedures. The only materials needed to clean the container units was water along with a device such as a brush or cloth. The surface materials and design enable the cleaning to be very simple and effortless and without damage to the container unit. 

1. Technology for refrigerated portable container units for storage and transportation comprising: of common materials specifically constructed in such a way that creates a new end product that when specifically combined, creates still another new end product.
 2. Technology of claim 1 wherein the first set of new products are: 1) Gel coating 2) Fiberglass sheets 3) Polyurethane foam insulation 4) Wrapped wood reinforcement 5) Steel reinforcement
 3. Technology of claim 1 wherein the second new product is: completed container unit which is the sum of the parts.
 4. Technology of claim 2 includes materials that are stronger than any other material used in the market today.
 5. Technology of claim 2 includes polyurethane foam and is better than fiberglass insulation used in the market today.
 6. Technology of claim 3 wherein the body is 30% lighter weight than any other bodies used in the market today.
 7. Technology of claim 1 wherein there is consistent interior temperature control due to material used to construct the storage unit.
 8. Technology of claim 2 wherein the surface of the panels do not need any other processing like painting or coating.
 9. Technology of claim 3 wherein the useful life of the refrigerated container unit is minimum twenty (20) years.
 10. Technology of claim 3 wherein no maintenance required on refrigerated container unit.
 11. Technology of claim 3 wherein the interior and exterior of refrigerated box is very easy to clean. 